What readers think of The Glass Castle, plus links to write your own review.

This was one of the most incredible books I have read in almost a year. I was literally able to connect Jeanette's parents to real people I know of, all of whom have disabilities. It is also amazing considering that Jeanette and all of her siblings came from such a poor family, and that Jeanette and her siblings still prospered, not everyone can do that. Not to mention I just cannot believe some of the crazy ideas Jeanette's parents had (eg, When Jeanette's father started going over 100 miles per hour in a car with his wife and children). Also when Jeanette's mother who worked but permitted her husband to spend her paycheck on liquor. I would recommend this book to anyone (especially a psychologist or social worker). Also like one of the reviewers wrote I would like to see what a psychologist would have to say about the mother.

I recommended this book to everyone I talk to. It is by far, the best book I have read in ages. It is inspiring and triumphant to see an individual that has experienced such difficulties...yet, rise up and tell her story with such grace and honesty. What I admire most is her willingness to be true to herself and her dreams. While being respectful and accepting of the dreams of her parents. A wonderful read...I didn't want it to end!

I found this book to be incredibly well-written, but very difficult to get through. I had to take breaks between every chapter--the tales of neglect were so powerful that I found myself crying and at times just nauseous from the descriptions.
I found myself just aching and sad. I really did not find this book inspirational as many others have. It is sad but lucky I guess that children are so resilient and so in need of love and attention from their parents that they keep persevering.
If this book were not required for my book group that I belong to I would've put it down after the second chapter--it was that sad.

This is a book you will not be able to put down and will bring out strong emotions in you. Jeannette Walls writes with real clarity and compassion about her family. It is rare to read such honesty. I love the author for writing this book and wish her the best in life.

If you thought your family was dysfunctional or that you had a tough childhood, this book will make you think twice. The author presents her amazing childhood full of homelessness, neglect, near sexual abuse and disappointments in a way that allows the reader to make their own judgments about the adults in her life. I must say I disagree with a previous reviewer who said that she doesn't accurately represent the despair of a child of an alcoholic. She does. Every chapter in the book makes you cringe or cry or sigh for the Walls children. However, what makes this book great is her obvious love and admiration for her parents despite their terrible, destructive shortcomings. At times you hate her parents, and then suddenly you are in awe of their quirkiness and unique take on life. So, this book is indeed truthful in that the ones who hurt us the most are often those who we love the most.

The Glass Castle, is a book, based on the overall look on the world. If Jeanette Walls, is allowed to write about the secret and personal lives of everyone around her as a journalist, then why not her own life, which I believe sends out a good message.
Acceptance.

One of the best books I've read in a long time. I recommend it to people constantly. What an amazing story of resilience and survival. Puts a lot of things into perspective!

This harrowing tale of a dysfunctional family is told in an almost dispassionate voice by Jeannette, yet we are often horrified by her living situation and her frequently neglectful parents. Through the entire awfulness of this existence there is a love for her parents that shines through on every page. It is abundantly clear that as negligent as her parents were Jeannette has somehow moved past her anger and has forgiven them both. I could not put this book down, and have great respect for Ms. Walls courage in telling her story in such a non-condemning way, although there were so many times I hated her parents it is obvious she does not. Unforgettable!